It?s hard to think of many fighters who are in the same position as young Jose Benavidez Jr. Despite just turning professional last January and only being seventeen years of age, Benavidez? situation currently seems to be ideal as he has the promotional backing of Top Rank while getting the opportunity to hone his skills at the famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.
The first three fights of Benavidez? career have been highly successful as he has carved through overmatched competition with world renown Freddie Roach in his corner. Benavidez? last fight was a 3rd round technical knockout over Bobby Hill in Arlington, Texas on the eve of Manny Pacquiao?s WBO welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey and the young pupil has a certain poise and professionalism about his game that beguiles the fact that he is still a teenager.
Next up for Benavidez is a scheduled 4 round fight this Saturday against Scott Paul at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benavidez hit the Hard Rock earlier today and revelaved that his training had been on full tilt, as he was going toe to toe with one of the top Jr. welterweights in the world.
?I?ve been training hard,? Benavidez claimed. ?I?ve been helping Amir Khan spar and I feel good and I feel strong. It?s crazy because he is a world champion and I am only seventeen years old. I?m giving him a little run for his money but it is probably the best sparring I can get right now because he is really fast and he actually fights my weight. He?s getting ready to fight Paulie Malignaggi so we are helping each other out right now. It?s the best sparring I can get and I will be ready for Saturday night.?
The Wild Card has admittedly become a big part of Benavidez? life as he has immersed himself around world class fighters from all walks of life. Realizing how fortunate of a position he is in, Benavidez still seems taken back when speaking of his time in the facility.
?I see new faces everyday from Russia, Germany, England, and all over the place,? he said. ?It?s just the best sparring you can get out there and a lot of good prospects go to the gym and it?s just crazy. It?s like my first home now because I spend so much time there.?
It is unknown whether Roach will be in Benavidez? corner this weekend as the Massacheussets native seemed to have prior obligations with Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux, who was scheduled to fight this weekend at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The two-time gold medal winner ended up pulling out of his bout against Reynaldo Lopez, citing a sore back, yet there seems to be more to the story than meets the eye.
Taking matters further, Rigondeaux was said to have severed his relationship with Roach as he was unhappy with both his sparring and lack of attention at the Wild Card. Benavidez seems to understand the hectic nature that makes up Roach’s life and is content to simply be able to touch bases with him whenever possible.
?My dad usually trains me because Freddie can get busy with all of his fighters. When Freddie has a chance he definitely helps me in training but everything is going good and I feel strong and I feel ready.?
(Writer?s note: Jose Benavidez Jr. recently signed an exclusive deal with clothing company Red Corner Apparel. Those attending his fight at the Hard Rock this weekend can be on the lookout for exclusive Benavidez T-shirts for sale in the arena)
